Although the disease is not contagious or directly inherited, epidemiologists have identified factors in the distribution of MS around the world that may eventually help determine what causes the disease. These factors include gender, genetics, age, geography, and ethnic background. MS can be found among most ethnic groups, but is more common in Caucasians of northern European ancestry.

Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely and depend on the amount of nerve damage and which nerves are affected. Some people with severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently or at all, while others may experience long periods of remission without any new symptoms. Growing evidence suggests that vitamin D supports immune function and may help protect against immune-mediated diseases like MS.

“The results were beyond spectacular,” says Hauser, who has been named inaugural director of the new UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences. “We are optimistic that with aggressive therapy that can be given safely at the beginning of the disease, the long-term outcomes, which are measured in decades, will be far superior to what they are today,” says Hauser. “These results should allow us to ask if shutting down brain inflammation at a very early stage in the disease might prevent late progressive MS altogether.”

The challenge of an MS diagnosis is that there is no single test for MS. The diagnosis can be missed, delayed, or even incorrect. Understanding what causes MS will help treat and—ultimately—cure those with the disease or even prevent it from occurring in the first place.

About the Author

Payal has more than 12 years of achievement in marketing strategy, brand building, data analytics and marketing technology in Chicago where she is currently the Director of Marketing for Sinai Health System. She has a M.S. in Health Communication from Boston University as well as a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from The Illinois Institute of Art. She has substantial knowledge of graphic design, web design, journalism, public relations, social media, advertising, photography, and marketing. During her free time, she plays with her lovable shih tzu, Pepsi and runs a lifestyle blog, Life with Payal. For more information, please contact Payal at payal@healthcomu.com.

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